Antigua and Barbuda stands out as an exciting destination to relocate to in the Caribbean, with the cost of living being a major factor in its attractiveness. This article provides detailed information on living costs in Antigua, including rent, buying and owning cars, and daily expenses.
An Overview of the Cost of Living in Antigua
Compared to most Caribbean islands, Antigua’s average cost of living is affordable, offering the opportunity to live a high-quality island lifestyle at a relatively low cost. The average price of groceries, dining out, education, and buying real estate in Antigua makes the country appealing to foreign nationals from countries like the USA and the UK seeking to reduce their monthly cost of living.
According to the cost-of-living calculator, Expatistan, the estimated monthly costs for a single person are about $2,200. A family of four estimated monthly costs amount to about $4,575.
Taxes are an unavoidable living expense, and Antigua and Barbuda employs one of the most favorable Caribbean taxes, reducing the overall tax burden for residents. The Antiguan government doesn’t impose personal income, capital gains, wealth, or inheritance taxes.
As a tropical island nation in the Caribbean, free outdoor leisure activities are abundant, such as visiting beautiful beaches like Half Moon Bay and Valley Church Beach and walking across the iconic Devil’s Bridge.
Grocery Costs in Antigua
Expats living in Antigua will find reasonably priced locally produced goods such as oranges, tomatoes, onions, and coconuts. A food budget that includes imported goods in Antigua and Barbuda is generally high compared to the United States; however, the overall cost of groceries and basic necessities in Antigua is relatively cheap. Here is a table comparing the average costs of everyday groceries in Antigua and Barbuda versus the USA.
Item | Antigua | United States |
Milk (1 liter) | $2.41 | $1.05 |
Eggs (12 regular) | $5.25 | $3.66 |
White rice (1kg) | $3.70 | $4.55 |
Fresh white bread (500g) | $2.84 | $3.58 |
Onion (1kg) | $2.45 | $3.06 |
Oranges (1kg) | $3.11 | $4.49 |
Chicken (1kg) | $7.22 | $12.05 |
Beef (1kg) | $16.65 | $16.02 |
Cheese (1kg) | $5.55 | $12.87 |
Bottle of wine (mid-range) | $12.77 | €15,00 |
Cost Utilities in Antigua
Essential utilities in Antigua and Barbuda generally encompass electricity, water, and garbage collection. The price of basic utilities is generally higher than in many other developed countries due to the island’s extensive use of petroleum to generate power.
In Antigua and Barbuda, basic utilities for an 85-square-meter apartment cost around $290 monthly, compared to $207 in the USA. A monthly mobile phone plan is more affordable at $40 versus $54 in the USA, and high-speed internet is slightly more expensive at $72 compared to $70 in the United States.
Cost of Dining Out in Antigua
Popular cities and locations for the best things to do in Antigua and Barbuda, like Non Such Bay, St Paul, and Tamarind Hills, are famous for their restaurants and dining options. According to living cost database, Numbeo, you’ll spend half of what it costs to dine at an inexpensive restaurant in Antigua, at $9 versus $20 in the USA. Street food on the island is affordable, costing about the same price as cheaper Caribbean islands. However, a meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is relatively expensive, costing $92 on average. Affordable diners are strewn across the island, where you can buy combo meals at restaurants like McDonalds for about $7.86
Cost of Transportation in Antigua
Residents’ most common form of transportation is private taxis. The country’s public bus system is also useful for traveling around the island. Antigua and Barbuda transport costs for a one-way ticket from St John’s to English Harbour is about $1.40, and monthly passes cost an average of $33.
If you prefer vehicle ownership, you’ll need to consider the price of importing a car. Like most imported goods, importing vehicles to Antigua and Barbuda is subject to high Antigua taxes. Imported vehicles are subject to a 15 percent value-added tax (VAT), a customs duty of around 60 percent, depending on the vehicle’s cost, a stamp tax on the CIF (freight) value of 2.5 to 3 percent, and a customs service tax of 1 to 10 percent. Imported vehicles are also subject to an environmental levy of $1,000 for cars up to one-year-old and $4,000 for vehicles older than one year.
According to Google Flights, traveling internationally to Europe, Canada, or the US from VC Bird International Airport in St John’s capital is relatively affordable. American Airlines offers flights to Miami International Airport for around $400 and to other Caribbean destinations like Dominica or Barbados for $150 to $200.
Healthcare Costs in Antigua
Mount St John’s Medical Hospital and the Adelin private clinic are Antigua and Barbuda’s primary medical facilities. The Antigua and Barbuda government provides free primary care thanks to the Medical Benefits Scheme. However, may prefer to explore private health coverage in Antigua for enhanced medical services.
According to Expatistan, the average cost to see a doctor in St Johns is about $70. Based on quotes from Sagicor Life and MSH International, two popular key health insurance providers in Antigua, typical monthly healthcare costs for a private health insurance policy are about $240 to $375 for a middle-aged expat, including cover for medical evacuation.
If you want to keep healthy by exercising in a fitness club, a monthly plan at fitness clubs like Xtreme Health & Fitness Gym in St John’s costs $60.
Cost of Living in Antigua vs the US
Overall, the cost of living in Antigua as a retiree is typically lower than in many major US cities. Housing prices, including rent and property purchases, are typically more affordable in Antigua. The average monthly rent for one-bedroom apartments is $740 in a central area of Antigua, compared to $1,780 in the USA. A three-bedroom apartment costs $1,455, compared to $2,990 in the USA.
Based on a comparison by Expatistan, a single person’s estimated monthly cost of living in Antigua is 35 percent cheaper than in the United States. The average living cost for a family of four is 21 percent cheaper.
Antigua provides more budget-friendly accommodation options per night than famous vacation destinations in the US, such as Miami, whether you’re looking at a double room in a budget hotel or considering one of the island’s luxury resorts.
Take a look at our Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Ultimate Guide
Antigua Real Estate Costs
Renting in Antigua
The cost to rent property in Antigua and Barbuda is very affordable. For a modern one-bedroom apartment, you’ll pay around $740 per month if located in the city center and around $370 if located outside the city center. Renting a three-bedroom city center apartment is approximately $1,455 and around $1,110 if located outside the city center.
Buying real estate in Antigua
Foreigners can purchase approved real estate in Antigua and Barbuda from $300,000 to qualify for the country’s citizenship program, typically through real estate shares rather than sole ownership.
Approved real estate investments include:
- A one-bedroom condo from Marina Residences in Non Such Bay worth $400,000
- A two-bedroom condo from Sugar Ridge Homes in Jolly Harbour worth $600,000
- A five-bedroom beachfront villa from The Beaches Houses in St Paul worth $1.5 million
Cost of Studying in Antigua
Public education in Antigua and Barbuda is free and compulsory for children between 5 and 16. Private kindergarten fees are approximately $200 per month. Yearly tuition for an international primary school like Island Academy International is about $6,600.
University of the West Indies Open Campus in St John’s, Antigua, is the largest university in the country and one of the most renowned among Caribbean islands. For the 2024 to 2025 academic year, tuition for a Bachelor of Science in Data Science, Innovation Management, and Computer Science is $10,000 per term for international students and $5,000 for locals.
Antigua Citizenship Cost
Foreign nationals can buy approved real estate in Antigua or contribute to the country’s government fund through Antigua’s citizenship by investment program and obtain an Antigua passport for themselves and their family members.
Foreign investors must contribute $230,000 to the National Development Fund (NDF), buy Antigua real estate worth at least $300,000, donate $260,000 to the University of the West Indies Fund, or invest $400,000 in a $5 million business venture or $1.5 million as a sole investor.
Whether you invest in Antigua and Barbuda’s real estate market or contribute to the state fund as a qualifying investment, you must also pay processing fees for all applicants.
The cost of citizenship invests a Caribbean passport and access to Antigua and Barbuda visa free countries.
Compare Antigua vs Dominica Citizenship in our detailed comparison Guide
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cost of Living in Antigua
Living expenses in Antigua come at a higher cost than in many other Caribbean countries but are generally lower than in the USA. The cost of living in Antigua compared to the United States is around 20 percent cheaper; however, most Antigua banks charge a fee to open and maintain accounts.
According to data from Numbeo, a domestic pint of beer costs EC$8 (3 US dollars) in Antigua and Barbuda.
Antigua’s cost of living is higher than that of most Caribbean islands due to its popularity as a tourist destination, limited resources, and attractive opportunities for foreign investment. Because of its natural beauty and exclusive services, the island is highly sought-after by visitors and expats alike, requiring a larger budget to live there long-term.
Renting property in Antigua and Barbuda is affordable. The average rent price is $740 for a one-bedroom city center condo and $370 if it is located outside the center. Centrally located three-bedroom apartments cost $1,450 monthly on average and $1,110 if located outside the city center. Renting luxury beachfront villas and other luxury properties in Antigua and Barbuda will come at a high cost for rent.
Basic Utility prices in Antigua are relatively affordable compared to the average cost in some other Caribbean destinations. For essential utilities, including heating, and garbage collection, expats in Antigua and Barbuda can expect to pay around $300 monthly but can save money living in airy apartments or seaside properties that don’t need air conditioning. A monthly plan for high-speed internet in Antigua is similar to the US at about $70.
The cost of many leisure activities in Antigua and Barbuda is cheap. A cinema ticket costs around $7.40 compared to $14,00 in the United States. Unique activities like a visit to Stingray City cost $50 per person.
In Antigua and Barbuda, facilities like the Children’s Academy Antigua charge $925 per term for full-day care and $740 per term for half-day care for children aged 18 months to 5 years.
